The development of a catalytic methanol-steam reformer for the production of a hydrogen-rich gas for fuel cell applications presents a number of unique challenges. Some of the most difficult to achieve requirements include fast start-up, load following, compactness and high selectivity for hydrogen. A methanol-steam reformer simulation has been developed that accurately predicts the steady-state operation of such reactors and can be used in the optimisation of new and novel designs with respect to compactness and selectivity (Amphlett et al., 1996). A major obstacle still to be overcome, however, is the dynamic response of the system to changes in load. A comprehensive dynamic reactor model makes it possible to evaluate reactor design concepts in an economical and logical fashion.
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